Hey guys it seems like the mini piston things that hold up my hatch when i open it are finally shot. This kinda sucks because it means I can't really use my t-tops because i can't keep the hatch open to put the tops in the bag when I do it myself.

Does GM still make the replacement parts? If not, are there any aftermarket manufacturers of them? I'd hate to replace them with some off of another 3rd gen because i'm sure they wouldn't last too long anyway...

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Yeah you can buy them at autozone or any auto parts store.I get all mine from Junkyard cars.For the amount they charge for a new pair I can get quite a few used sets.Havent had a problem yet

 

If i go to an autoparts store are they gonna know what I'm talking about? Like are there multiple sizes and part #'s or is there pretty much one size? I'd to get screwed over and end up with the wrong ones...

 

use a pair of vise grips and lock them on the silver part of the shock, then you can use your ttops.

 

I got my trunk supports from autozone and they work great. If I recall there were a couple part numbers depending on if you have a spoiler or not, or a rear wiper or not. They have the connection too for rear defroster. Just look on their website or on Z net at their store. I think they were $25 ea

 

They are common parts and nothing special about the hatch struts. As in the previous Posts go to Auto Parts store and avoid used one.

 

I just went to my local auto parts store and said

"I need the hood holder upper piston things for a 1991 camaro rs 305 engine."

He looked in the handy dandy computer and went to the back room and came out with a set. I was out the door for 30 bucks and they fit and work perfect.

I know you asked about the rear hatch, but its the same deal. Go in and tell them what you need and for what make model and year. If their eyes glaze over then walk out and go to another store. They should have them or at least be able to order them and they're not expensive. Don't worry about getting screwed over. if they dont work then just take em back and get your money back.

 

The rear hatch lift supports are pretty pricey from what i remember a lot more than their counterparts in the front, you can find them in a JY but they can be iffy i've gotten some used ones before and they died fast,i guess its luck of the draw. i got some new ones about a year ago and they work a lot better than the 2x4 i was using in the past also less embarrassing when putting the t-tops away. its a great feeling when you can push that button and have the hatch lift up on its own

 

The hatch problem is pretty sporadic... so they're not completely shot but on their way out.

Last summer i would open the hatch and i would push the hatch all the way open and it would come back down alittle and stay about 3/4 open. Last wednesday was the first day i drove my car this year and i went to take the tops out and the hatch opened all the way and supported itself 100%. When taking my tops out of the hatch yesterday is when i couldn't get the hatch to stay open at all. I'm getting my windows tinted wednesday so i either need to get the pistons before then or use something to prop it open if its being stubborn so the guy can tint back there...

Any estimates on how much the pistons will cost though.. I might have to transfer money between my 2 bank accounts if its gona be significant...

 

Between $40-70 bucks for the pair. Any local autoparts store should have them. Just go in and say you need HATCH STRUTS for a 92 Camaro Z28. Don't go used its not worth the hassle.

 

When I replaced mine, I asked for the part # that was on the Pontiac cars with the big heavy spoiler. And now when I hit my trunk release, the Hatch not only pops open, but it opens up all the way. I bought mine from NAPA.

 

On AutoZone.com here is the support lift for my 89. Should be the same one for yours. Part # A95024 price is 22.99 each. Like others have said though just go into the parts store of your choice, and ask them. It's a pretty common part.

 

Yea i just picked one up from Autozone today. Your right, it was $22.99.

For everyones future reference, the 92 camaro GM service manual says that (and i'm paraphrasing slightly): "Very seldom do both struts fail at the same time." It suggests you purchase one new strut and replace one old strut. If the hatch still won't stay open, switch the 1 remaining old strut on the car with the old one you just took off and that SHOULD work then. I guess if it doesn't, then you have encountered a rare problem when they both fail.

 

That info may applied with a near new car but not one thats 17 yrs old. My opion is to replace both. Now a bit of advice so you don't get hurt, support the hatch with a strong support before you remove the strut. Remember that it is about 200# and its going to hurt when it comes down.

 

OK so my dad and I went to replace the hatch strut and its pretty much impossible. The new strut is soo tight, its impossible to compress enough so that it can clip onto both studs. How did you guys do it? We gave up after about 1/2 hour. Even when we went to install the old strut back on for now, it took about 10 minutes and a TON of effort to get the old one to compress back down so it could fit on both studs.

Theres gotta be some way thats easier...I mean not all 3rd gen owners or mechanics are steroid users that have the strength to compress those things, especially when they're already bolted to the one stud and your at an extremely awkward angle trying to get the other side on.

And BTW, the hatch was pushed open as far as it could possible go up, so thats not the issue. If the new strut would have been able to compress about 1/2 inch it would have fit on...

 

Anyone know how to get the strut to compress enough to fit onto both studs?? I need to get it installed tomorrow before I get the windows tinted on wednesday.... I don't want the hatch falling on the guy when hes tinting it. that would be too good haha

 

They are called lift supports. Maybe they gave you the wrong ones for your car? Try just having the top part connected and have the bottom part against something so it wont slide and try compressing it. I could hold myself up trying to get mine to compress (135lbs for the fiberglass hood supports) but im guessing using a hood or the rear hatch acts as a lever + the wieght of it makes it 100% easier.

 

I see what your saying but I don't see how thats possible with the rear hatch struts.

 

I don't see why you're having such a hard time. You shouldn't need to compress it at all to get it on. If all you need is half an inch, the rear hatch should flex that much by itself. I changed both of mine out in about 5 minutes, by myself.

The post above that suggests using the hatch to compress them (or any other method for that matter) I do not recommend this. The piston bends pretty easily damaging the part, or could extend quickly, damaging you.

 

You install them with the hatch open all the way.First you put the bottom ends on and attach them with the big torx bolts.Then you just move the hatch up or down till it lines up with the top slots on the struts and attach them.Should only take 5-10 minutes tops

 

Wow...I don't know what to think then. I know its the right part because I had the same problem putting the stock one back on (its just that the stock one compresses alittle more). This is nuts. What should i do?!

 

my hatch struts are shot too. the only work on hot days. i just pop the hatch, go take off the t-top, then set the t-top on my foot and hold it with one hand, and then i open the hatch and hold it open with my head. then i put in the t-top and then do the same thing with the other one. it takes a little longer, and every once in a while i put a sharp corner or somethin on my head and scream. but it usually works. as you can see, i have this whole thing worked out.